Electric Skateboard Reviewshttps://electricskateboardreviews.net
Wed, 28 Jun 2017 07:54:43 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.8What is the Weight Limit of an Electric Skateboardhttps://electricskateboardreviews.net/what-is-the-weight-limit-of-an-electric-skateboard/
Fri, 09 Jun 2017 10:13:14 +0000https://electricskateboardreviews.net/?p=26696If you are thinking of owning a skateboard, electric ones any are among the coolest that you could ever own. Still, before you decide to get one, it is important that you have a good idea of the specifics that you should be looking for, so you are sure that you will have a board that is going to really work best for you.

People need to remember that there is a diverse number of choices as far as these boards go as far as the market goes. This is especially true when it comes to their weights. They can range from 5 to 17 lbs. these boards can differ in power. The less heavy of these boards tend to be treated as toys because they tend to have way too little power in them- usually, around 250w. If you want to go for the more serious ones, you will want to go for the heavier units as they tend to have an output of around 2000w. In many cases, a lot of companies will opt for the addition of more than the just single motor to their products.electric skateboard

Among the many important factors that one has to consider when buying a board are its length and its weight. A board that is both heavy and big is only likely to end up being a cumbersome tool to play with. It is important for one to remember that too much weight on boards only likely going to end up backfiring due to the fact that it is only likely going to become cumbersome, hard to move around, and less portable.

Stability

Stability is another factor that should be considered when buying a board and often, it is going to be dictated by how much the board weighs. It is a fact that the heavier the boards, the more stable they tend to be. It is very important to remember that the amount of features and accessories that are mounted on the skateboard is going to affect its overall stability as well.

The best boards are often those that are built with a perfect ratio between how much it weighs and its performance. This is something that should be calculated by the markets using precise formulas. One needs to remember that the weight of the rider is going to determine the acceleration, the top speed, as well as the amount of power that is going to be needed.

There will be limitations to the amount of weighing that these skateboards can hold and it is important that one will follow these limitations or the performance of the board is going to be duly affected along the way. The maximum weight that these boards can hold would be 220lb. Anything more than that and one can expect that the unit is no longer able to function the way it is expected to at its peak.

How much the board weights can be determined by the materials used to make it as well. But it is important to remember that reducing how much the board weight can improve performance but this would often be at the cost of its stability.

]]>Top 11 Skateboarding Safety Tips for Kidshttps://electricskateboardreviews.net/skateboarding-safety-tips-for-kids/
Thu, 18 May 2017 09:37:44 +0000https://electricskateboardreviews.net/?p=26682When your child is in a rush to get out on their board to start learning how to grind and flip, it can be really easy to totally forget about the fact that once they’re on the move, a slight miscalculation can cause the sort of injury that means they won’t be back on their deck anytime soon. Sure, they aren’t going to be running like Kyle Wester and bombing down a hill at nearly 90MPH, but the simple fact is that even the most innocuous of tumbles can end up causing catastrophic injury if they aren’t adequately protected.

Warning: Even simple falls can cause concussions if a helmet isn’t worn.

Skateboards can slip out from under your feet. When that happens, there’s nothing between the skater and the ground other than air. Oh, and gravity is rapidly going to take that air out of the equation, meaning a hard bump on the ground and potentially a visit to the ER.

With this in mind, no matter how confident your kid is about their skating ability, you have to take preventative measures and to try to keep them as safe as possible, so they can carry on skating long into the future.

A Skateboard Helmet is Essential…

The first and most important thing that needs to be protected is the head. Above and beyond all other safety equipment, a helmet is an absolute requirement. They probably won’t like it, but just ask them when they last saw a professional boarder skating without headgear.

Deciding to get a lid is only part of it, though. You need to make sure that the helmet fits correctly. The video below will give you an idea of how to take your measurements to ensure that you get the right helmet for the job.

They aren’t all the same, and there’s barely any point in putting a helmet on if it’s going to slip off when your kid busts their first 360 kickflip off the front porch steps.

Run through the following safety checklist each and every time your child puts their helmet on. It won’t take long for it to become second nature and they’ll be doing it themselves!

Checking the Fit of a Skateboard Helmet

A skateboard helmet should sit on top of the skater’s head and it should be level, rather than pointing up or back.

A helmet that rocks back, forward, or side-to-side is not good. It goes without saying that the chinstrap shouldn’t be buckled too tightly but if the helmet is shifting all over the place, it’s either too big, or not strapped tightly enough.

When correctly fitted, the child should be able to see the bottom rim of the helmet when they look up. It should be roughly one to two finger-widths above their eyebrows.

The helmet straps should form a “V” shape under the ears.

When the child opens their mouth wide, they should be able to feel the helmet hug the top of their head. If it doesn’t, it’s too loose.

Other Safety Equipment:

While skateboard helmets are essential, people often overlook the other kinds of protection that are available for young skaters. Wrist guards, knee pads, and elbow pads are a great idea for all skateboarders, but are a definite must for beginners and younger skaters. Not only will they protect against impact injuries, but they’ll also stop minor cuts and prevent painful grazes when the rider falls off, which they undoubtedly will do at least few times when they’re learning.

A mouth guard may seem a little like overkill, but there’s no arguing that a good sports mouthguard will help to prevent broken teeth if your child takes a bad spill. That is not something that you want for your kid. Also, if you are looking for equipment that will help your child have more fun in skating then you can find them right here.

I’m sure you won’t regret it.

Final Tips

As well as basic safety equipment, there are some simple tips that you can follow to help your child to stay safe as they level up their boarding skills.

Test Their Skills – Make sure your little skater knows how to use the equipment that they have. If they’re learning on a streetboard for example, show them how to ensure the foot straps are secured. Make sure they know that the buckle on their chinstrap should be flat to their skin and that the straps themselves shouldn’t be twisted.

Get The Right Board Size – There are a range of sizes of skateboard available, from 6.5” wide micro decks for kids aged 5 and under, to 7.5” wide full-size adult boards. A board that’s too big will be harder to control and therefore less safe.

Only Skate in Safe Areas – Checking the safety equipment, wearing a helmet, and getting the right-sized board will mean nothing if they’re going to go and skate on uneven paths that contains broken or cracked paving. Well-lit, smooth surfaces that are away from traffic are the way to go.

Teach Them How To Fall – When you fall from a skateboard, crouching down as you hit that point when you know you’re going to fall will reduce the distance to the ground. Less distance to the ground means that there’s less chance of injury when you get there. Learning how to fall is an essential part of learning how to skate.

Equipment Check – Checking for cracked, loose, or otherwise broken parts when it comes to the trucks, the wheels, or even the board itself, will ensure that accidents are less likely to happen.

Be There – It should be obvious, but if your child is very young and is learning to skate, you should pay attention when they’re skating. Put that phone in your pocket and ignore it. You should act as a spare pair of eyes and ears, as opposed to just being the transport that gets them to the skate park.

With these tips in mind, your kid can hit the ramps and start learning the ropes without undue risks. The next thing you know, they’ll be competing in the X-Games!

]]>The World’s First Skate House: When Skate is Life…Literallyhttps://electricskateboardreviews.net/the-worlds-first-skate-house/
Sat, 06 May 2017 13:48:34 +0000https://electricskateboardreviews.net/?p=26665It’s probably fair to say that any die-hard skater dreams about turning their home into a skate park, but for skateboarding superstar Pierre-André Senizergue, it wasn’t good enough to just settle for a dream. So, he turned to Californian architect Francois Perrin and designer/skater Gil Lebon Delapoint for help to make that dream come true.

The house is named “PAS” in honor of its future occupant, Pierre-André Senizergue, who’s the owner of the Etnies skateboard company and is also a former professional skater. A longtime LA resident and proponent of skate culture, according to the LA Times, he has hired fellow French expats based in SoCal to help him with his vision.

The concept of the house is a “ribbon” that creates a continuous surface to be skated from the outside to the inside. In realitly, that means that the house is fully skatable, from the walls to the furniture and even the doors! The concrete and glass residence, which is being built at the top of Malibu’s Las Flores Canyon, is split into three sections to accommodate living and dining areas at one end, with a bedroom and bathroom in the middle. At the far end, Senizergue has allowed room for a practice area.

Featuring virtually no corners, the surfaces in all the rooms are designed to curve to form a continuous tube with a 10ft radius, so people can actually skate on the ceilings if they have the skill. All the furniture in the 2,200 square-foot house will also be curved, according to the project’s website, and will be integrated into the curve. That includes things such as the bathroom furniture, the kitchen island, the beds, and the dining tables – perfect for grinding. Closets and drawers could be integrated in the curve too, but with the building still in the prototype stages, that detail hasn’t been set in stone, yet.

A model of the project and a full scale prototype of the living area was presented in Paris for the Public Domaine/Skateboard Culture exhibition at la Gaite Lyrique, a new museum directed by the City of Paris. For the 25th birthday celebration of Etnies, their team of pro skaters did a demo session in the prototype.

Watch a video of skaters testing out the model, showing exactly what Senizergue will have to look forward to when he moves into his new home.

Other Plans for PAS House:

The house will make the most of the natural elements (sun exposure and natural ventilation) to avoid the use of air conditioning or heating, with all the rest of energy use coming from solar and wind power.

Rain water will be stored and recycled on site for landscaping.

The concrete slabs will act as thermal mass and most of the materials, especially the wood, will come from a local source.

As if the design wasn’t cool enough, adding sustainable elements is a nice finishing touch. It’s truly awesome to see such a beautiful dream turn to reality in our lifetime.

The PAS was designed in 2012 and it’s certainly paved the way for other skate maniacs to realize similar dreams, with other properties being redeveloped into private skate havens. Don’t just take our word for it! Here are two other examples of skaters taking their passion to the next level.

Other Skateboard Houses

Norfolk Skate House, UK

On October 2016, in London, England a house went up for sale in the small village of Terrington St Clement in Norfolk. But this was no ordinary house. Yes, from the exterior it looks like a normal 19th century property in a quaint part of town, but the owners definitely upped the ante when they showcased the property, which comes complete with a giant skate park inside. This former village youth club has been converted into a dual-purpose home and indoor skate park. Owned by avid skateboarder Rob Marsden, 41, it only took him 6 months to build the 26 x 39ft wooden skate bowl.

According to the listing, “The current owner uses part of the property as his home and the front half of the building, which was the main hall has been converted into a skate bowl.” This stunning three-bedroom terraced skate house went on the market for a relatively standard price. For £200,000 ($257,336), anybody could have

“Whilst Mr Marsden’s love of skating, kickflips and grinds remains at the forefront of his personal life, his business has grown in leaps and bounds and the daily hard work means that it is time to restructure and relocate” said a spokeswoman for realtors Attik Property Services.

If he gets time away from his booming business, maybe Marsden will upgrade his new pad in a similar way?

Tokyo-to Skate House, Japan

In Tokyo-to, Japan, a relatively standard-looking modern Japanese property contains a couple of hidden secrets that have to be seen to be believed. The owners of the property requested that designers LEVEL Architects included a piano rehearsal room and a skateboard park in their plans, so they could enjoy their own individual interests without leaving the comfort of their own space.

The design of this house complimented both personalities, but it’s fair to say that the skate bowl positioned in their studio was a nice touch. They decided there was no need for a car park on the site, so a private entrance courtyard was designed. This leads directly into the studio area, which includes the skating bowl and a raised-level almost stage-like room designed for piano practice.

They’ve sure managed to pack a lot in to what is a relatively small space, but it has to be worth it. Sunday mornings must be killer in this household! Rolling some sweet flips in your PJs while your partner busts out some of Rachmaninov’s second concerto on the piano in the background? It doesn’t get any more epic – or strange – than that.

So, with at least three houses locked, loaded, and ready for skating, does this mean we’ll see more skaters making their dreams come true by converting their spare space into a skating paradise? Are YOU thinking of doing it? If so, we salute you and wish you the best of luck with your plans. We say “go for it!”

After all, you only get that one trip around and you should do everything you can to make it an awesome one.

]]>How to Clean Skateboard Bearings in 5 Easy Stepshttps://electricskateboardreviews.net/how-to-clean-skateboard-bearings/
Sat, 06 May 2017 12:47:30 +0000https://electricskateboardreviews.net/?p=26657We all know that every time you go out skating, there’s no doubt your skateboard is going to take a beating. Sometimes it’s inevitable to skate right through a puddle, or you may stack it and eat dirt.

However, it’s common for riders to forget to maintain their bearings, causing them to get clogged up with dirt and grime. This of course, makes it harder for the wheels to spin, causing the rider to get less glide and them having to kick harder.

Not fun times.

Cleaning the equipment will decrease normal wear-and-tear on your board, increase its speed, and prevent the wheels from seizing up.

Luckily the process is easy enough for anybody to do at home so, we thought we would give you guys an easy break down on how to clean your equipment so that you never have to feel like a mouse in a spinning wheel every again.

But first, here’s a little list of the things you should have to give those bearings a proper clean:

What You Will Need:

Your dirty skateboard bearings (duh)

Acetone or another solvent (97% isopropyl alcohol is good too)

A bowl or cup to put it in

A small pin or straightened staple to remove the bearing shields

A ratchet or socket wrench might come in handy

Step #1 – Pop the Wheel Off

First things first, you need to take your wheel off to get to your bearings. To do this, you can use a socket wrench, ratchet or skate tool to loosen the nuts holding the wheels in place. You may need to hold your board steady and apply firm pressure to break the bolts loose.

Step #2 – Remove the Bearings

There are two kinds of seals that are common on skateboard bearings: rubber seals and metal shields. The seals can be popped out from the other side with a small pin or straightened-out staple. Stick your pin between the ball cage and the outside bearing race and press the seal out. Aim for the center of the seal, because it is made of metal and you won’t purchase it.

Step #3 – Soak and Clean

Fill up your bowl with 1/2″ of acetone and put the bearings (balls down) in the solution and let them sit for a minute. Alternately tap them on the bottom of the bowl and spin the thing in your hand until they feel grit-free. Once you get a bearing cleaned, spin it dry and place it on a clean paper towel (balls down) to dry. Repeat for the other seven pieces.

Step #4 – Remove and Dry the Bearings

Before removing the bearings, prepare a level, safe place where these can dry. Lay down a paper towel or a rag, remove the piece, and allow enough time to pass until completely.

Step #5 – Grease and Re-seal

Add grease to the little pockets in-between the balls. Most people use just enough to fill three pockets barely. You don’t want them packed, but you want all the balls lubricated.

You can use any grease that is lying around the house. Spread the grease around with your finger and roll the bearing back and forth until you can see all the balls adequately.

It’s an awesome feeling cleaning your bearings for the first time because you can really feel the impact of the difference, which is why it’s important not to forget that feeling and to remember that this is something you need to do on a regular basis if you want to have good rides.

But how often should you clean them exactly? It depends on how much you ride, and how often in crappy conditions, or how often you feel stuck.

For best results, repeat this process once per month.

For greased bearings, try once every month at first or more often if you’re in the wet a lot. Oiled pieces need maintenance every couple of weeks if you ride every day.

I tend to clean them out right after a rain ride; the oil just doesn’t provide as much rust protection. Now go and clean so you can feel the glide of your freshly cleaned bearings.

As technology is advancing, we’re seeing smarter devices being developed to make our lives more streamlined and efficient. Whether it’s your laptop, mobile phone, TV, even cars are now designed to be self-run. However, with technology comes hackers and it’s now been discovered that your skateboard ride to work can be sabotaged if you ride an electric skateboard. Not to freak anybody out, but it’s something we feel everybody should be aware of.

When two security experts discovered a massive flaw in electric skateboard technology, it opened the door to hackers making it an unsafe ride for these types of commuters. The potential for this problem first occurred to Richo Healey, who works on security for payments company Stripe, when he was riding his electric skateboard.

Healey’s board suddenly stopped working when he reached an intersection, ceasing to receive orders from his remote control. As it turns out, the high volume of Bluetooth traffic surrounding the intersection interfered with his remote’s connection to his board.

Recognizing this defect, Healey figured it would be easy to hack a Bluetooth-enabled electric skateboard. He teamed up with Mike Ryan, who works on security for eBay, to develop an exploit which they’ve called FacePlant. They describe FacePlant as “a synthetic version of the same [radio frequency] noise” that Healey experienced at the intersection.

The exploit allows the researchers to gain complete control over someone’s electric skateboard, letting them either stop the board completely or send it in reverse at full speed. In either scenario, the rider is put at a risk of being physically harmed.

Many electric skateboards, such as the Altered Phantom, operate off of commands transmitted to them wirelessly (and unencrypted) by a Bluetooth remote control held by the rider. The skater controls the acceleration and braking of the board with this remote.By disrupting the Bluetooth connection, the hack, allows hackers to take control of someone else’s electric skateboard and do anything from overriding the speed limits set on the board to stop the board completely.

Healey and fellow hacker Mike Ryan went to work testing the Bluetooth security of a Boosted Board as well as of an electric skateboard from Australian manufacturer Revo and one from the Chinese manufacturer E-Go.They found flaws in the security of all three boards. But ultimately, they aren’t hoping to cause transit pandemonium with their hack; rather, they are hoping to force electronic-skateboard manufacturers to make their devices safer.“The point of the research is to remind vendors that they do have a burden to users to make safe products,” Healey said.

Healy and Ryan tell Wired that the board slows briefly before it begins to roll backward, so if you’re alert enough, you can prepare yourself. But if not, you’ll likely end up eating asphalt. They presented their findings at the Def Con, an annual Las Vegas hacker conference.

Here’s How the Face Plant Hack Works

According to the exclusive interview that the boys did on Wired, the Boosted Board works with an app, which controls two 1,000-watt electric motors. There is a small handheld remote, which the rider uses to adjust speed using Bluetooth Low Energy wireless technology, and a battery that allows the board to operate for about six miles on a single charge. A “dead man’s switch,” which the rider holds down to stay in motion, cuts the motor if the rider releases the switch.

Because the Bluetooth communication is not encrypted or authenticated, a nearby attacker can easily insert himself between the remote and the app, forcing the board to connect to his laptop. Once he achieves this, he can stop the skateboard abruptly, ejecting the rider, send a malicious exploit that causes the wheels to suddenly alter direction and go in reverse at top speed, or disable the brakes. An attacker can also simply jam the communication between the remote and the board while a driver is on a steep hill, causing the brakes to disengage.

Final Thoughts

Obviously, the dangers of somebody hacking your board can be a little scary. Even if you’re riding at 20 miles an hour, a sudden stop can cause havoc for you and the surrounding traffic around you. Does this mean we should burn every electric skateboard in the market? Of course not, but it’s good to be aware of these occurrences happening. We recommend doing your research before purchasing your next electric skateboard, and you should be okay.

Electric skateboards have been around for a while now, even before the year 2012. However, motorized skateboards were not very good back then. This is because they were heavy owing to their bulky designs, had poor performance and were fitted with massive batteries. These are just but a few reasons as to why the motorized board industry never received significant attention from technology enthusiasts on a global scale.

However, the situation has since changed for the better as the market is now filled with motorized products with impressive features and excellent performance. Regardless of all the amazing features incorporated in modern day products, consumers still have a strong focus and interest in skateboards with a water-resistant build.

Can you Ride your Board in the Rain?

As mentioned above, most enthusiasts all over the world are usually very interested in but a single aspect of electric skateboards – their waterproof property. Rain is unpredictable, and this is why technologically-oriented consumers are interested in buying products that are waterproof. The last thing anyone would want is to be caught out in rainy weather or even to go through an unexpected puddle with an electric skateboard that is not waterproof.

The motorized skateboard industry fully recognizes the fact that water and electronics simply do not mix from time immemorial. Since they design them, they also know that there are components that do not respond well to being in contact with water. The following are some parts should not get wet:

Bearings.

Belt and pulley drive train system.

A majority of products utilize belt and pulley drive trains which have teeth that get clogged up with grit and dirt when the user is riding on surfaces that are wet. The ultimate result is that the amount of torque transferred to the wheels is significantly reduced. The effect of clogged teeth is mostly realized during braking because the brake force is instantaneously applied with a much greater force compared to the forces during acceleration.

Furthermore, teeth may skip when clogged up. This directly translates to a shorter life expectancy for the belts and the user may have to invest in new ones. Regular maintenance is also necessary for individuals who ride their boards (that have a belt drive) on wet surfaces. This ensures that any debris which is lodged in the teeth gets completely cleaned out.

It is for the above reasons that most companies in the industry, design products that are waterproof. Hub motor electric skateboards are such products. They have completely sealed motors which make them totally water resistant and therefore maintenance free.

One of the most popular brands that offer full waterproof products is Yuneec. They have a solid reputation for creating reliable and cost-effective products. You can read our full review on one of their best models, the E-GO2.

Conclusion

Are electric skateboards waterproof? Yes, some are but not all. Consumers should do extensive research so as to find products that are durable regardless of the elements of weather they are subjected to. A good product that is water resistant should possess a high ingress protection rating clearly indicated on it. An IP65 rating or greater is recommended and is what should always be aimed at when purchasing electronic boards that are waterproof.

If you’re looking for a waterproof electric board, you should check out our reviews on the homepage. We have covered all the latest models and best brands helping you make a better choice.

]]>How Fast and Far Electric Skateboards Can Go and Maintenance Tipshttps://electricskateboardreviews.net/how-fast-and-far-electric-skateboards-can-go-and-maintenance-tips/
Sat, 01 Apr 2017 23:25:13 +0000https://electricskateboardreviews.net/?p=26636
Electric skateboards are skateboards that have been modified in order to enable them to be moved or propelled controlled by an electric motor, which is normally controlled by the person riding it via an RF remote. Similar to standard skateboards, electric skateboards are steered when the rider shifts his or her weight to the left or right. These types of skateboards were originally made as a means of local transport, but now have more advanced Off-Road models, which are becoming a new trend in skating sports. These Off-Road models can be easily ridden on hard sand, dirt, grass, and gravel and are commonly seen at low tides on beaches.

How Far and Fast Can Electric Skateboards Go?

A lot of electric skateboards manufacturers now provide the option of upgrading to the 12 Ah LiFePO4 battery packs over the SLA standard battery packs that come with most electric skateboards, which help to reduce a board’s weight by approximately 10kg as the LiFePO4 battery packs weight 5kg compared to the 15kg of the SLA standard packs resulting in a lighter, faster, and agiler skateboard. An 800-watt electric skateboard with a LiFePO4 battery pack can provide a typical range of 16 – 20 km. Six hundred watt electric skateboards can only achieve 20% less range than the 800-watt units and electric skateboards that use the older, sealed acid batteries can only achieve 30% less range that the LiFePO4 batteries.

The speed of a standard electric skateboard may vary depending on the weight of the rider, terrain, and slope. On a good road or footpath, an electric skateboard is capable of reaching speeds of up to 16 – 25 mph. Additionally, the discharge chemistry of a LiFePO4 battery pack can allow the motor to run at top speeds constantly until the battery is completely exhausted compared to the high current that comes from the SLA standard battery which ends up tapering off quickly during discharge.

Small factor LiFePO4 pouch cells can also be used in order to increase the capacity of the battery to 20 Ah and also achieve a range of 30 km or more when riding the board at constant high speed. A few manufacturing companies have now begun offering electric skateboards with the capability of running over 30 km using only an 8 Ah battery, unlike other companies which offer only up to 25 km and cost almost double when compared to the 30 km electric skateboards.

Electric Skateboard Maintenance Tips

Taking proper care of your electric skateboard is very important in order to enhance the value of your investment. Most of the maintenance that needs to be performed on an electric skateboard is similar to the maintenance of a standard skateboard. Any preventive actions or steps taken in order to extend the life of an electric skateboard will greatly help to extend the value of your investment. Below are some of the main electric skateboard maintenance tips.

Clean or replace the grip tape. Once the grip tape gets dirty or starts to wear out, it can be very difficult to stay on the board. The best way to take care of a grip tape is to keep it dry and free of debris. The grip tape should also be replaced entirely at least every two months. This replacement process is very simple that it only involves a razor blade and a steady hand.

Clean the bearings and rotate wheels. If bearings begin to wear out, wheels will not spin as expected. In order to prevent the wearing out of bearings, the wheels should be taken out at least once a month and the bearings removed and cleaned. It is also recommended to add a few drops of lubricant to the bearings during the cleaning process to keep them spinning fast.

Tighten trucks. When trucks begin to get too loose, it is easy to tell. Loose trucks can make it very hard to steer an electric skateboard or push it in a straightforward direction. Ensure that the big bolts in your trucks are tightened from time to time but be careful not to tighten them too much as this could cause the bushings to crash.

Avoid running the board through water surfaces. While most electric skateboards are water resistant, it is still advised against getting it soaking wet whenever possible. While the electronic parts of the board are mostly protected, it is still considered bad for the grip tape, bearings, and deck to get too wet.

Take care of the battery. Never leave the battery in an excessively hot environment such as the back of a car. When not in use, try to keep the battery fully charged and store it at room temperature.

The United States enjoys several modes of transportation including hoverboards, electric scooters, electric in-boards, skateboards, electric skateboards and many others. Most of the time, the laws pertaining to these modes of transportation are unclear and confusing. There are certain laws and regulations related to roadway and vehicle usage which usually conflicts with local laws. According to the Administrative Code, the definition of an electric board is a motorized transportation device which can be operated without needing external assistance.

When have they become popular?

During the past few years, electric skateboards have gained increasing popularity, especially among the youth. There are specific types of motorized skateboards which have been legally authorised for public use under the State law. However, there are certain limitations and prohibitions which prevent them from operating within city limits. People who have been caught breaking the law would incur penalties and are subject to paying certain fines. Electric boards have gained popularity since they were first introduced to the public because of their high tech abilities. It provides an easier and more convenient mode of transportation without contributing to air pollution and carbon emissions.

Where can electric skateboards be used?

When the definition of motorized skateboards is taken into consideration, they don’t fit the restrictions within the Administrative Code. However, it’s important to keep in mind that they are treated in a similar way as unregistered motorized vehicles. This means that the State law prohibits them from operating legally on public roads such as highways and parking lots. Amidst the increasing popularity of motorized skateboards over the past few years, they are incapable of being officially registered with the State DMV.

Are they legally allowed in public places?

In July 2015, the NYPD issued a statement which announced their intention of fully enforcing both local and state bans against all types of unregistered motorized vehicles. After a few months of announcing their intentions, they released a public statement that all motorized boards aren’t allowed to be operated in public places. This is in accordance to the State law. However, since motorized boards don’t have handle bars they are virtually untouched by local laws.

What is the minimum age requirement?

In 2016, electric boards were given new access to California roads. Beginning from January 1, 2016 people who own motorized boards can freely use it in public roads and sidewalks. The minimum age requirement in order to be given legal permission to ride it is 16 years old. Certain restrictions still apply in accordance to this provision. The minor should always wear a helmet whenever he is riding the board in public places. He must also be sober in order to ensure his own safety as well as the safety of others around him.

Are there any restrictions?

Counties and cities may also pass their own ordinances to restrict unregistered motorized vehicles. The bill signed specifically for allowing electric boards was signed by Governor Jerry Brown. Since that day, electric boards are legally allowed to be used in public areas where bicycles are allowed. This bill also extended to other types of motorized vehicles which don’t contribute any harmful emissions. Technically, riding skateboards in public streets are still illegal. Anyone caught riding them in those areas will be subject to certain fines.

Click on this link to read full reviews on some of the most popular electric skateboards.

The popularity of electric skateboards has increased significantly in the recent past. This is mainly attributed to more people knowing their benefits compared to the conventional ones. Some of these benefits include that they are more convenient to use. They also come with more modern features which make using them more enjoyable.

However, despite the many benefits there have been concerns about their safety. The reason behind this is that safety is one of the main attributes when it comes to skateboarding regardless of the type. As a result, there have been concerns that the electric skateboards might have a number of safety issues.

The things that enhance safety on electric skateboards

The truth about these skateboards is that they are safe. This is facilitated by the fact that they are made in a way that the users can control them easily and effectively. The people who were concerned about their safety were afraid that they might get out of control and therefore cause accidents.

However, the manufacturers make safety one of their primary aspects while designing the skateboards. These manufacturers test the skate boards vigorously with an objective of ensuring that all the safety attributes are in place. Furthermore, the skateboards must be approved by the regulating authorities prior to being distributed to customers. This gives the customers assurance that the electric skateboards they acquire are of the highest quality especially when it comes to safety.

The safety is further enhanced by the fact that they come in different sizes and designs. This gives people the opportunities to choose the skateboard that one is comfortable on. By being comfortable one is able to control the skateboard more effectively without having the distraction of not being comfortable.

How to enhance safety on electric skateboards?

Since these skateboards have more sophisticated features, it is advisable for beginners to first learn the basics prior to using a skateboard. There are various ways that one can learn to skate in a safe manner. Some of the basics such as balancing properly are essential and a person who is not conversant with them might have a challenging time trying to control an electric skateboard. However, there are some features that can help the beginners learn easily.

These features are mainly on the controls where the beginners can choose the lowest levels which they are comfortable in and then progress to higher levels. Besides the electric skateboards having safety attributes, it is also paramount for the person skating to observe the necessary safety attributes.

One should wear protective gear which can provide protection in case of an accident. In skating especially while one is learning accidents usually happens regardless of the type of skateboard one is using. This makes it important to be always prepared through wearing protective gear.

It is always advisable to start using the skateboard in places that are relatively safe. These include areas that are not that steep and are away from distractions such as traffic. Furthermore, it is not advisable to start doing tricks on the initial stages prior to learning how to skate properly. Therefore, electric skateboards are safe provided they are used and maintained properly.

(If you’re looking to buy an electric skateboard for the first time, we would recommend the Altered Fanton. It is the ideal skateboard for beginners and children with great safety features. Check it out here.)

Electric skateboards are the craze these days. With the required components getting cheaper, many people have taken to modifying their existing skateboards into a battery driven, electric skateboard. If you too are considering modifying your own skateboard, then this step-by-step guide will show you how to get started.

What You Will Need

Before you start, it’s necessary to consider the necessary items that you will need in order to successfully transform your skateboard into an electric one.

Top mounted Longboards

You can theoretically transform any skateboard into an electric board, but a topmount truck is preferred so that you can have enough space underneath for your components. A longboard is also preferable for its stability and for smoother rides. These are just preferences, so you can always make do with what you have.

Large Wheels

You are going to need wheels with more diameter than average. The reason is because you need enough space to install the pulley wheel.

Battery Pack

You will need a rechargeable battery pack for powering your electric skateboard. Most builders use Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries. A 5,000mah battery should be ideal in most cases. If you have any lying around, then you can use it, else it is recommended to buy a battery pack like the EPOWER Pack (about $400) because these come with a charge level indicator, an ON/OFF switch, and a Battery Management System.

Electric Motor

You need an electric motor with a high torque, this means anything with a low kv rating between 200kv and 300kv. Most builders use a 230kv motor. At slower revolutions per minute (kv), electric motors will have higher torques, than comparatively faster motors. This torque is the power you need to get you and your skateboard moving.

VESC Speed Controller

This is the main electronic component that you will need. It is what controls the speed of the motor. The VESC is a popular type of basic ESC motor speed controllers. It costs about $100. DIY kits are also available which include an electric motor and speed controller, and it saves you the time of matching components.

Pulley

The pulley is what you’ll use to transfer power from the electric motor to the wheels. It needs to have a ratio configuration, with the motor pulley being smaller than the drive wheel pulley, so that it transfers less speed, but more torque. Most builders use a 14T or 16T motor pulley with a 36T drive wheel pulley.

Motor Mount

You need a mount to attach the motor to the truck. If you have the tools, you can easily make one from aluminum and either weld it unto the truck or attach it in some other ways. Else, there are motor mounts for sale, and they cost about $80.

Device Casing

You need an enclosure for your components, so that they do not get damaged on the road. While plastic might work, it is better to use metal. Aluminum works great, and can be reinforced as you wish. Just make sure it has enough space to contain all the components.

Remote Control

You can use a wired controller for throttling. That is, anything that works based on variable resistance. You can also go a step further and install a wireless remote system. These cost about $60 or more, depending on design.

Step By Step Guide

Step 1. Fasten your device casing unto the lower side of your board. You can screw it on, or use any other means, as well as it is tightly fastened.

Step 2. Load your components into the device casing, and fasten them. These include the battery, ESC controller, and if you are using a wireless remote, then the receiver as well.

Step 3. If your electric motor has a round shaft, then you need to file away on two sides of the shaft to make it more rectangular, so that it can better transfer energy to the pulley system. You should also shape the bore of the smaller pulley to fit the motor’s shaft.

Step 4. Disassemble the skateboard wheel that you would like to use. Make sure that the bore of the larger pulley is wider than the diameter of the truck’s axle. Then fasten the larger pulley to the inner side of the wheel. You can use multiple screws or any other method you desire.

Step 5. Re-assemble the wheel with the truck.

Step 6. Fasten your electric motor to the truck using the motor mount, and then connect the motor’s wires to the ESC controller’s out.

Step 7. Connect the two pulleys using the belt, and adjust the motor mount until it fits tightly.

Step 8. Close the casing. Your ride is now ready.

Conclusion

This guide has introduced you to the art of building a basic electric skateboard. You are nonetheless free to use your imagination and make improvements as you see fit. You can use pneumatic wheels for example, double your battery size for longer distances, use a double motor system for extra torque, as well as add gadgets or any modifications of your choosing. Building your own skateboard can be dangerous and more expensive due to mistakes being made and parts having to be re-ordered. We would only advise that you do this, if you have the expertise and knowledge of building skateboards.

If you want to save money and time from building your own skateboard, we would certinaly recommend buying the Altered Fanton model. It is one of the most affordable and fasted boards on the market. If you want more in-depth reviews please click here.